10 most-stolen dog breeds and 3 smart ways to protect your furry friend

Few things terrify a pet owner more than finding out their furry friend disappeared. In the U.S., around four million dogs go missing each year. Pet owners have a lot to worry about: medication, closing gates, so the dogs don’t get out and even outright kidnappings.

Dog abductions skyrocketed over the last decade. To be more specific, they shot up by 70% since 2010, according to American Kennel Club president Tom Sharp. Over lockdown, lonely hearts wanted loving dogs to keep them company.

Criminals saw dog purchases go up and created new dognapping schemes — along with the typical slew of online scams. Tap or click here, so you don’t fall for expensive puppy scams. In this article, you’ll get the full scoop on the dangerous world of dognapping, as well as some helpful tips to keep your four-legged family member safe.

If you thought dognappers were all bark and no bite, think again

Not only are criminals stealing thousands of dollars from people who are lonely in lockdown, but they’re even stealing dogs as you’re walking them. Professional dog walker Ryan Fischer was walking Lady Gaga’s French bulldogs when criminals shot him in the chest and snatched the pooches.

The dogs are home safe now, and Fischer is recovering from the bullet that pierced his lung. Of course, celebrities aren’t the only people who have to worry about criminals targeting dogs. BBC News says 2020 was the “worst ever” year for dog theft.

The problem isn’t going away anytime soon. You should be especially worried if you have a dog breed that’s most likely to be stolen. Reader’s Digest has the scoop on the 10 dog breeds that thieves steal most often:

  1. Siberian husky
  2. Poodle
  3. Labrador retriever
  4. Shih Tzu
  5. Maltese
  6. German shepherd
  7. Chihuahua
  8. Yorkshire terrier
  9. Bulldog
  10. French bulldog

Check out the article above for more info on why these breeds are so popular. If you have one of these breeds, stay alert.

YOU SHOULD KNOW THIS: The best puzzles and toys to get your dog’s mind working

Here’s what you can do

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Lock down your phone from snoops and hackers

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Where Spotify beats Apple Music – and where it doesn't

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6 essential features you need in a home security system

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How carbon nanotubes will change the world

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Tile trackers vs. the new AirTags – What's the difference?

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